‘H1B overhaul will favour highly talented youth’

The US visa fee is set to rise by 148 per cent for non-petition-based visas, including B1/B2 for Business, Tourism, Medical treatment, Visitor Visas, F-1, F2, and student visas, including transit visas.

Ever since Donald Trump began his second innings as the 47th President of the United States, life has not been kind to Indians who are either planning further education in America or are already working there. From immigration raids to attempts to end birthright citizenship, from a heightened scrutiny of Green Card holders to now the H-1B visa overhaul - this has been a year of uncertainty, struggle, and endless recalibration for those chasing the American dream. Indians account for nearly 71 percent of all H-1B visa holders. If visa fees are raised to match the salaries of these techies, will firms still hire Indian immigrants? Mumbai-based overseas education consultant Karan Gupta, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field, speaks exclusively to 'The Perfect Voice' on the matter that is giving headaches to thousands of Indian families at home and abroad. Gupta explains who should worry and who should not.

The Trump administration has proposed a major overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process, causing confusion and concern, especially among Indian techies. Your thoughts.

The proposed shift from a random lottery to a wage-based system does create anxiety, especially for Indian professionals. But for students who study in the US and build strong skill sets, this could actually work in their favour. Highly skilled graduates are exactly the kind of talent the US wants to retain.

The increased fees for new H-1B visas in the United States are showing consequences, leading organisations to explore alternative visa categories. Will these new rules last for long?

A) Fee hikes always trigger short-term adjustments as companies look at L-1s, O-1s or relocating roles abroad. Historically, these rules evolve with every administration. They may not last in their current form, but they will push firms to diversify their hiring and visa strategies.

Presently, Indians account for nearly 71 percent of all H-1B visa holders, followed by China (12 percent). If the new wage-based selection process is implemented, it will mostly impact companies seeking to hire lower-wage workers from India and China. What does your study say?

Yes, companies that rely on lower-wage talent may face setbacks. But my analysis shows that graduates from US universities, especially in tech and business, will remain competitive. The policy is designed to prioritise high-skill, high-wage roles - an area where many Indian students already shine.

After Trump’s shock move, companies may pass 30–70 percent of the H-1B visa fee hike to clients. Your thoughts.

That is inevitable in the short run as costs always trickle downstream. But in the long run, businesses will re-evaluate where to base their teams. Some of that work will shift to India, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia, where companies can still deliver value without the visa burden.

Will a $100k H-1B fee threaten Indian students’ dreams?

It sounds dramatic, but for serious students it will not end opportunities. If you graduate from a strong US university, employers still need your skills. They may be more selective, but the best students will continue to get hired and sponsored.

Is there a drop in student visa applications in India? Are Indian students suffering a rise in rejection of student visas to the US?

Student visa rejections for Indians are rising and the new wage-linked H-1B rules add more uncertainty. These changes are designed to prioritise higher-wage, highly skilled jobs. For Indian students, the message is clear: focus on strong academics, pick the right universities, and aim for career tracks where salaries and skills align with US policy goals. That remains the path that keeps the American door open.

What is the L1 category of visa, and how different is it from the H-1B?

The L-1 is a company transfer visa that allows multinationals to send managers, executives, or staff with specialised knowledge to their US offices. It is not a lottery system like the H-1B.

Is the H-1B visa fee as big as the salary of most of these visa holders? Can companies afford so much? Is there a fear of losing jobs for Indian techies?

The new $100,000 H-1B petition fee is almost as much as what many entry-level tech workers earn in a year. For companies, that is a huge upfront cost, especially if they hire large numbers of Indian graduates. Big firms can absorb it, but smaller employers may pull back, creating uncertainty. The fear for Indian techies is real: if employers cut back on filings, jobs could shrink at the entry level. The broader message is that the US wants fewer low-wage visas and more high-wage, high-skill roles.

Will mass returns of immigrants create chaos in India?

If large numbers came back suddenly, yes, there would be disruption. But realistically, most adjust by moving to Canada, Germany, or the UK, rather than all returning at once. What India needs to do is prepare to absorb returning talent into start-ups, research, and entrepreneurship.

Will the US economy be impacted?

The US economy has long depended on immigrant talent to fuel innovation. Restricting H-1Bs may benefit a few in the short term, but in the long term it risks slowing down sectors like tech and healthcare. The US has to balance politics with economic reality.

Are Germany, Canada, and the UK emerging as alternatives?

Absolutely. Germany has opened its doors with new visas. Canada continues to be welcoming with clear PR pathways. The UK has expanded post-study work visas. Indian professionals have more choices than ever before.

Should H-1B parents with US-born children worry?

No. A child born in the US is a US citizen by law. Parents may face immigration hurdles, but the child’s status is secure. Under the 14th Amendment, a baby born in the United States is automatically a US citizen, regardless of the parents’ visa. Nothing has changed here. If parents must return to India, their US-born child can get a visa from the Indian consulate and travel with them. Parents are only deported if they reside illegally. In such cases, they must self-deport, as they are in violation of US law.

Why do Indians chase dreams abroad despite struggles?

They go because of opportunities - higher pay, cutting-edge research, exposure, and structured systems. India is improving, but many still feel they do not get the same global exposure, merit-based growth, or infrastructure at home. Until that gap narrows, Indians will keep looking outward.

What advice will you give to young Indian students who are still making up their mind to apply to universities in the US for further education?

Despite the uncertainty, the US remains one of the best destinations for higher education. My advice to Indian students is to focus on strong academics, choose reputable universities, and think about career paths that lead to high-skill, high-wage jobs, because that’s where US immigration policies are most favourable. Go in with a clear plan; not just for your degree, but for how it connects to your long-term career.